Synod 2026 declined to appoint a committee to articulate the CRC’s Reformed beliefs about what the church is.
Classis Wisconsin, a regional group of churches, wrote that the CRC has lost sight of the fact that the church’s work always presupposes a theological vision of its faithful being. So it wanted a committee to articulate and explain the necessary theological center of Christian Reformed congregations as understood in the light of the holy Scriptures and the confessional Reformed tradition. “We cannot answer the question of what the church is called to do without first answering the question of what the church is called to be.”
Ben Gresik, Classis Eastern Canada, was in favor of a study committee. “This keeps coming up. ‘What is the church?’ We really find it hard to answer practical questions without a theology of what the church is.”
Andrew Sytsma, Classis Yellowstone, also spoke in agreement. He said that the (proposed) 10-year church-planting plan is about the quantity of churches, getting more church leaders. “This committee is about quality. A (study) can shore up church planting.”
Kyle Hoekema, young adult representative, said he has noticed more young adults picking churches that are clear about what they believe. “I don’t know what sets the CRC apart from other reformed churches,” he said. “I think having a (study) committee could define that very well and could be a draw for young adults.”
Several delegates disagreed. Bill Sytsma, Classis Chicago South, said there are already lots of reports that are rarely consulted. “This is not worth the cost.”
Cedric Parsels, Classis Iliana, said he sympathizes with the desire for study, but it’s too late in the game. “This study committee will take four years. We’ll be four years into (the) church planting (plan) before we see this report.”
John De Vries, Classis Holland, said, “I find it kind of embarrassing that in 2026 we’d have a special committee to define what is the church. We’re clear on doctrine. Our churches have gotten away from some of the things central to what we are. I think perhaps a rousing message about getting back to basics will serve us better.”
Delegates voted against forming a committee, 106-71. One negative vote was read by the second clerk, saying rejecting the study was a “missed opportunity.”
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 12-18 on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Go to crcna.org/synod for the livestream, photos, reports, and a live blog of synod proceedings and decisions. Find daily news and our video Synod Recap at thebanner.org/synod.